Speaking Out Briefing No. 13: Communities in control: real people, real power

On 9 July 2008 Hazel Blears, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (CLG), launched the Empowerment White Paper Communities in control: real people, real power which intends to pass power into the hands of local communities. It aims to ‘generate vibrant local democracy in every part of the country, and to give real control over local decisions and services to a wider pool of active citizens.’

The White Paper looks at who has power, on whose behalf is it exercised, how is it held to account, and how it can be accessed by everyone in local communities. It outlines the main principles underpinning community empowerment, including CLG’s commitment to valuing the role of the voluntary and community sector in social and democratic renewal and as a key partner in fostering community engagement.

The Empowerment White Paper was accompanied by two consultations relating to the Paper’s proposals on the Third Sector Partnership Board and the Empowerment Fund. These were consulted on until 30 September 2008. The Speaking Out project submitted a response to the Third Sector Partnership Board consultation and supported a joint response on the Empowerment Fund led by the organisation Urban Forum.

This briefing paper examines the policy and legal context relating to community empowerment, outlines the main provisions in the White Paper, highlighting areas of particularly interest for the children and young people’s voluntary and community sector (CYPVCS), as well as considering possible implications and opportunities for the sector.

To request hard copies of this or any other Speaking Out briefing paper, please contact us on 020 7278 1041 or email speakingout@ncvys.org.uk